th they to soin number of republican candidates have done over -- going all the way back to richard nixon. that is, use code words, code issues, and try to use trade as a lever. it obviously not working in oh whe his sport is going down. one thing that i have to say for them at this point is the low expectations going into the debate actually help them. because i think the press would kind of likeo give them another runr another chance to go around the trk. so if he does decently the de, he'll get that chance but i agree with krystal. he would have to win that debate. >> in a way that he's not capable of, frankly. >> is he too elitistha kle he doesn't have the goods. this is not like he's a new candidate. he's been running for president for six years. he's had ample opportunity to connect with people, to introduce himself, and he's failed to do it for these six years. i don't see how these debate are going taker. ob shrum, krystal ball, thank you for your time tonight. >> thank you. > coming up, when republicans get desperate, they launch some dirty smears against the president. >>> and n